F.A.Q's

Bowen Island is a tourist destination with no hotels. Popular B&B’s, inns, and houses to rent are often reserved several months in advance. For listings see: Bowen Online

Additional Information on Overnight Trips

Additional information on overnight paddling tips can be found here. Please read this document.

Cameras and Phones

Water and electronics don’t mix. Consider investing in a camera housing, Pelican case, or dry bag. At the least, cell phones should be carried in a plastic ziplock bag.

Cars on Bowen

During holidays and summer weekends, parking in Snug Cove is scarce. There’s lots to do within walking distance of the ferry dock, including Bowen Island Sea Kayaking, if you choose not to drive.

Children

If they are older than 2 and weigh less than 50 pounds, youngsters can ride in a specially designed seat in the centre hatch of a double kayak with adults paddling. Children aged 6 to 12 can paddle kids’ single kayaks with accompanying family members.

Clothing & Footwear

As we say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Flip flops, boots, and jeans are not recommended for kayaking. Select quick drying blends, synthetics and wool depending on weather, and wear water shoes, or flexible soled canvas or nylon shoes. Also a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended – even on cloudy days.

Emergencies

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking staff are trained in Wilderness First Aid. The island has emergency responders, ambulance, and helicopter service. There is a pharmacy and several resident doctors on the island

Food

Shika and Lime & Moon Pie Company are located in the Bowen Island Marina by the kayak shop; both serve food, desserts and beverages during the kayak season. Cafes, restaurants, and a pub are all a short walk from the Bowen Island Marina.

Languages

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking welcomes all cultures and languages. Lessons and tours are conducted in English. Add a pin to the world map inside our office to let us know where you are from.

Money

We accept Canadian currency and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). There is an ATM machine near the General Store on Trunk Road. American dollars may be used at face value, there will be no adjustment for the exchange rate.

Pets

We love them, but they are not permitted in our rentals. For your safety and theirs, please leave your pets at home.

Safety

Our number one priority is your safety. Please follow our policies and the advice given by guides and dock staff, this information is designed to protect you and to ensure that you have a positive experience.

Storage

There is some storage space in the kayak shop for backpacks and tote bags while you are out on the water.

Things to See & Do

Bowen Island is a destination because of its many hiking trails and picturesque beaches. Galleries, shops, restaurants, B&Bs, and cultural events are plentiful, if you know where to look. Check out Artisan Square and the Bowen Island Arts Council’s weekly calendar of events. Here’s our list of Annual Special Events on Bowen Island.

Washrooms

There are public washrooms located just to the left as you exit the ferry in Snug Cove. We have private outdoor booths at the shop for changing into dry clothes or putting on a bathing suit.

Weather

According to a popular saying in British Columbia,” There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” We expect rain and celebrate sunshine. If the wind is blowing above 6 or 7 knots, we reserve the right to postpone launching boats until the seas are calmer.

Wildlife

Bowen is home to Bald Eagles, Snowy Egrets, Blue Herons and many other species of bird. Please don’t feed the birds or other wildlife (seals, seagulls, otters, etc.). Bears rarely make it to Bowen, but the island is rife with deer, so take care when driving. Orcas, Humpbacks and dolphin are spotted along the coast, so keep your eyes peeled.

What to Bring

Please see Rentals section under “Kayaks” or “Paddle Boards” for a more complete list. Sunglasses, hats and rain or wind breakers are recommended. Jeans, cotton shirts and flip flops are not recommended.